Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are itchy, swollen veins in the anal canal. Though the condition can be painful and frustrating, it’s usually treatable and not serious.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be caused by many things. Common causes include:

Straining during bowel movements

Obesity

Lifting heavy weights or objects

Anal intercourse

Genetics – weaker veins and hemorrhoids can run in families

Sitting for extended periods of time

Standing for extended periods of time

Weakening of the tissue surrounding the anus that occurs with age

Pregnancy or childbirth

Hemorrhoids Symptoms

The symptoms you experience with hemorrhoids depends on the type of hemorrhoid you have. The two types are:

External Hemorrhoids – External hemorrhoids occur when blood pools under the skin, forming a hard lump. They can be painful, unlike internal hemorrhoids. Other symptoms of external hemorrhoids include bleeding in stool and itching. Internal Hemorrhoids – The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. Other symptoms include itching, skin irritation and discomfort while passing bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids Treatment in Rochester

Hemorrhoids are typically treated with simple changes to diet and bowel habits. Most physicians will attempt to treat hemorrhoids with fixative procedures to reduce the blood supply, therefore decreasing the size of the hemorrhoid. If a large, internal hemorrhoid is present, a physician might choose to surgically remove the hemorrhoid with a hemorrhoidectomy.

Contact Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons at (585) 222-6566 to find out more about treating internal and external hemorrhoids.